By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Benin based Socio Cultural Group under the aegis of “Benin Solidarity Movement” (BSM), has accused the leadership of Labour Party (LP) over alleged imposition of Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, as the party candidate for the forthcoming 2023 National Assembly Election for Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwonde Constituency in Edo.
The group in a protest with different Inscriptions, “We Hate Injustice In Labour Party”, “Ativie Can Not Intimate Us In Labour Party”, “Ativie Let The Will of the People Prevail In Orhionmwon/Orhionmwon federal constituency”, “Murphy Imasuen Is Our Candidate For Orhionmwob/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency,” match through various streets in Benin metropolis to the Labour Party secretariat at Ogbelaka street, Benin City, Edo state capital to register their displeasure.
While addressing Secretary of the Party, Ms Esohe Adun, Acting Secretsry of BSM who spoke on behslf of the group said the alleged imposition of the former lawmaker by the party leadership was against the wish of the people of Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency.
The group vowed to resist any attempt to substitute Hon. Murphy Imasuen who they claimed was duly given the ticket to run for Orihionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency for any candidate.
“We hereby make bold to say that, we do not recognize Hon. Ativie, as a member of the Labour Party in Edo State Chapter talk more of being the House of Representatives candidate for Orihionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal constituency”, they alleged.
Part of the statement jointly signed by its President, Comrade Curtis Ugbo and Acting Secretary, Esohe Adun and made available to newsmen accused the Party National and State Chairmen of favouring the former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly Aitivie over Hon. Murphy Imasuen, who BSM alleged won the substitution primaries held July in Abudu, Edo State.
Before receiving the petition on behalf of the state chairman of the party, Comrade Fredrick Akhere said, “As far as Labour Party is concern, we don’t believe in money and I want to disabuse that allegation that we were induced with money.
“Labour party believes in integrity. And I want to assure you that since the state chairman is not around, I will ensure your message is related to him and necessary step will be taken.
“This issue is an internal crisis and I want to say that the issue will be resolved internally,” he said.